Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1905

Average_duration

:

12:11

"Cathaleen-ní-Hoolihan" is a one-act play by William Butler Yeats, which was later adapted into an opera by Arnold Bax. The opera premiered on June 9, 1929, at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. The opera is divided into three movements, each of which is named after a character in the play. The first movement, "Cathaleen," is a prelude that sets the scene for the opera. The second movement, "Michael," is a love duet between Michael and Cathaleen. The final movement, "Peter," is a dramatic finale that sees Cathaleen's true nature revealed. The opera is characterized by its use of Irish folk melodies and its lush, romantic orchestration. Bax's score is full of sweeping melodies and rich harmonies, which evoke the beauty and mystery of the Irish countryside. The opera also features a number of solo instruments, including the harp, flute, and violin, which add to its ethereal quality. One of the most striking aspects of the opera is its use of Yeats' text. Bax's music perfectly captures the poetic language of the play, and the singers are given ample opportunity to showcase their vocal abilities. The opera is also notable for its use of Irish Gaelic, which adds to its authenticity and gives it a unique flavor. Overall, "Cathaleen-ní-Hoolihan" is a beautiful and haunting opera that captures the essence of Yeats' play. Its lush orchestration and poetic language make it a true masterpiece of early 20th-century opera.

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